How do you spend most of your time at work?
Working with my fellow engineers on blue light, tracker and secure communications for the emergency services. This involves prepping looms, syncing lights, removing the interior of cars, soldering and crimping cable, and valeting the vehicles once they are finished.
What’s the one gadget that you can’t live without?
My mobile phone. It keeps me connected with work, family and friends.
Why did you choose to go into the digital comms/electronics sector?
I enjoyed maths and physics at secondary school so I chose a career that included both of those subjects. Electrical engineering seemed a perfect choice.
What’s your favourite aspect of the work?
Getting the satisfaction out of completing an installation from start to finish without a hitch. Learning about the mechanical and electrical side of vehicles, as well as gaining knowledge on emergency service vehicles, and their blue lights and sirens.
How do you feel about being PCE’s first female engineering apprentice?
I was quite nervous, and feared that working in a male-dominated environment would mean I’d have to become thick-skinned. However, all the engineers were very welcoming and I feel very much part of the team.
What’s your ultimate ambition?
To go far in my career and to break the misconception that this is an industry for men. I want to show young girls we can do anything!
What do you do in your free time to relax?
I love judo and am currently training towards my second dan. My rugby team – the Totnes Bluebirds – are also training hard for the new season and are in the league this year. I usually relax on a Sunday by watching Netflix.
Libby is 17 years old and joined PCE in December 2017. She attends South Devon College, studying an NVQ in electrical engineering.
